Archive for November 13th, 2012

Alicia Keys has evolved and she is enlightened and honestly happier than ever. The R&B superstar graces the cover of Complex’s December 2012 issue for a descriptive feature titled “Unlocking Alicia.” The multi-Grammy winner also ignited the camera for a stunning photoshoot. Check out an excerpt from the piece where she reflects on her life and career…

“Because I started so young, so much of my life has been like catching up to myself—or trying to run underneath myself so I’m not falling. I finally stepped back and was able to look at it all and say ‘Wow.’ No complaints. I’m glad to be where I am and have this life. But it could be different. I don’t want to have the type of life where I’m not living or I’m always working or always fitting into whatever perfect box. I don’t want that type of hectic life. I don’t want people in my life that encourage that in any way. I’m not my old self anymore.

Becoming my new self, some people didn’t understand me anymore. Some people who I knew for years—we couldn’t be on the same page anymore. That’s OK because that’s part of growing, too. The hardest thing is to trust yourself, to know that what you’re feeling is valid. A lot of times we dismiss our feelings. I realized that I can trust myself and say, ‘No, I’m not comfortable with that.’ That was the toughest part. When I finally had the bravery to do that, that’s when I started to feel on fire.”

See more of AK’s photo shoot below, and read the lengthy article here.

This past Sunday, Brandy returned to Washington, DC to perform at Howard Theatre once again. The day coincidentally marked the 18-year anniversary of her smash hit single “I Wanna Be Down” hitting #1 on the Billboard chart. The R&B diva shared this clip of the performance and reflecting on her early career.

Today, Big Boys Neighborhood released two more clips from their interview with Chris Brown last Friday. During his visit, Breezy premiered his brand new song “Nobody’s Perfect,” and talked about Rihanna. In these pieces the Pop star talks about releasing free music, if there will be a sequel to his “Fan of A Fan” mixtape with Tyga, extreme fans, if there is beef with Drake and Jay-Z and who would he take on a raft to smash island, Rihanna or Karrueche?

Yesterday, the net was ablaze over Rihanna‘s nearly naked new cover shot for GQ’s “Men of the Year” issue. Now, men and boys across the globe will surely go crazy over her revealing full photo-spread. The Pop princess is clearly the biggest star of 2012, and she once again commands attention by stripping down to only a pair of panties and sneakers in the skin baring shoot by Mario Sorrenti.

Ne-Yo continued the promo for his new album R.E.D., on Tuesday, stopping by The Ellen DeGeneres Show to perform his hit single, “Let Me Love You.” Once again showing off his MJ inspired choreographed moves. Ne-Yo got the crowed rockin as he went up the aisles to interact with the female audience.

After the performance Ne-Yo brought out his baby girl Madilyn who was celebrating her second birthday, and Ellen presented the R&B hitmaker with a plaque for “Let Me Love You” going platinum!

Sebastian Mikael is a name to remember! A former student of Berklee College of Music, by way of Sweden. Landing a production deal with Slip-N-Slide, of all places, where he first went by the name De-Lor, if you follow the site regularly that might ring a bell as we posted his song “Beautiful Life” earlier this year. Now, with his original name and a deal through Vested in Culture, industry legend Sylvia Rhone’s new label imprint under Epic Records, Sebastian is poised to make an impact with his authentic, heartfelt talent.

In this new visual, Sebastian straps on his acoustic guitar and delivers a mesmerizing performance of his latest song, “Speechless,” at Windmill Studios in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Alicia Keys is the latest star to grace the stage of ‘Vh1 Storytellers.’ The live performance piece aired Monday night in its entirety. Finding the R&B singer-songwriter covering her decade long career of hits in the intimate setting.

Opening with “No One” and further showcasing new material off her upcoming album Girl on Fire including, “Not Even the King” and her latest single “Brand New Me,” which she calls her “autobiography.” Between each song, AK shared insight behind the music and what she’s learned along her journey. Her opening of “You Don’t Know My Name,” about the word ‘baby’ is so true, what would music be without that word!

Lamar Starzz is back with a new sultry sex jam entitled “Get Right 2 It.” The upstate NY native, has been building a fan base with regular single releases, as he works on his debut. Stream and download the latest joint from Lamar below…